Why do I have a cold when I get off the plane?

You're likely to get a cold when you're on board because you'll be around so many other ill people

According to research compiled by Compare Travel Insurance, the likelihood of getting a cold is more than 100 times higher during a flight.

In fact, Steven Reed from the Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia says that catching a cold is so normal that cabin crew are given upper respiratory infection leave on top of regular sick leave.

Keeping a constant flow of fresh air directed at your face and body keeps the lingering germs in the air away from you.

It’s worth wiping your hands after turning on the nozzle though - they are one of the most germ-ridden places on a plane because people are constantly touching them.

Why do my legs swell when I fly?

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Stretching on board a flight is important if you want to avoid deep vein thrombosis

Spending too much time sitting in the one position restricts blood flow throughout the body and leads to swelling of the feet and ankles.

It also adds to your risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a potentially fatal blood clot which can form when blood isn’t circulating freely.

Steven Reed says while the best defence against swelling and DVT is to take regular walks to the bathroom and back.

Those who are at increased risk of developing DVT should speak with their GP before flying.

Why does my skin feel so dry and tight?

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Moisturising when you're on a plane is recommended by dermatologists as flying is very dehydrating

When you’re flying at 38,000ft, humidity levels can be as low as 4 per cent, with research indicating the average body is stripped of up to 1.5 litres of water during a three-hour flight.

In fact, if you board a long-distance flight with an unpeeled orange in your bag - over the course of the flight, the orange will shrink and shrivel until it’s the size of a date.

To help counter the effects of looking like that shrivelled orange, Australian Medical Association vice president Tony Bartone says it’s essential to drink a little more than the standard eight glass of water a day, but also to avoid alcohol and caffeine where you can.

Why do I feel so groggy?

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Flying can be a tiring business - made worse by the fact that your blood absorbs less oxygen in the air

The air pressure in aircraft cabins is equivalent to what you would experience outside at 6,000 to 8,000ft, meaning your blood absorbs less oxygen, causing sleepiness and headaches.

While drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine helps combat these symptoms, there is nothing you can do about the emotional fragility though.

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Also sit tall in your seat to allow oxygen to flow easily through your body, and to undertake regular breathing exercises.

Every 30 minutes or so, take in a series of deep breaths, hold briefly and exhale slowly.